Family is an effective filter to prevent the spread of radicalism and terrorism.
Denpasar (ANTARA) - The National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) has urged women’s organizations in Bali to foster the awareness necessary to combat all propaganda related to radicalism and terrorism.

"Women must be careful so as to not fall victim to or join in the network of terrorism. Counteracting terrorism cannot only be done by the authorities," director of prevention at the agency Prof. Irfan Idris said in Denpasar, Bali, on Wednesday.

He delivered the statement during a forum entitled “Model Optimistic, Productive Women with Digital Literacy to Unify Nation.”

Idris underlined women's role in developing a child's character and identity from an early age. Women function as a shield from radicalism, which nowadays is aimed at children, he said.

He cited the example of a kid refusing to enter a mall claiming that malls are made by non-believers.

"Still so young, yet they are taught such (views)," he said.

Hence, values such as nationality, faith, and local wisdom need to be taught to children, starting from the family unit, where women play an important role.

"Family is an effective filter to prevent the spread of radicalism and terrorism. Terrorism has become an extraordinary crime, aside from corruption and drug abuse," he said.

He urged people to collaborate to combat terrorism since it has become a collective concern.

He further said that such collaborative efforts must not be limited to just authorities, but also all groups of people because terrorism can manifest in everyone, no matter their position, social status, race, and beliefs.

In the digital era, radicalism and terrorism are spreading rampantly on social media platforms, he added.

He then urged all Balinese women to not share information without filtering it beforehand.

"Not only women and children nowadays are easily influenced by recruitment for radical and terrorist groups, but women with strong militancy have also become actively involved in the funding," he said.

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Translator: Ni Luh Rhismawati, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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